The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above 8,000 feet and LOW below that elevation. Pockets of dense wind slab up to two feet in depth exist at the upper elevations. These surface slabs lie upon hard snow surfaces and could be human triggered in steep terrain with fresh deposits of wind blown snow. New snow and strong west winds will create areas of drifting snow and increase the hazard at the mid and upper elevations in the afternoon. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.
Pockets of dense wind slab formed by southwest winds exist in steep avalanche starting zones and cliff areas above an elevation of 8,000 feet. These wind slabs are up to two feet in depth. New snow and wind will increase their size and volume and increase their sensitivity to human triggers as the day progresses.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The next low pressure system is approaching and will direct warm moist air into the region ahead of an associated cold front. Several inches of new snowfall are possible at the higher elevations overnight. On Saturday light snowfall is possible in the morning at the higher elevations. In the afternoon the snow may mix with rain at the lower elevations before increasing in intensity and turning to all snow in the evening. Winds along the highest ridge crests will be southwesterly at 15 to 25 miles per hour with higher gusts. Temperatures will drop into the 20s overnight and rise into the 30s in the mountains and into the 40s in the valleys during the day.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at the higher elevations where pockets of soft surface slab one to two feet in depth could be triggered by skiers or riders who venture into very steep avalanche starting zones and cliff areas. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW at the mid and lower elevations.
